Walk Around the News

Local

Pierce Transit recently signed an agreement to use all renewable natural gas produced at nearby Cedar Hills Regional Landfill.

New signs have been placed around Seattle along trails, with simple safety messages for pedestrians and bikers. The signs and text reflect the top complaints SDOT receives about trail safety and etiquette from the public.

Ocean City, Maryland has seen a 56 percent reduction in pedestrian crashes so far this year after the implementation of a new mascot, a crab. The traffic safety crab, which is dressed as a lifeguard, has appeared on billboards and PSAs this summer, and plans are in the works to use the crab in school programs throughout the state.

After hearing of plans to widen U.S. Route 62, the mile-long Main Street of Hamburg, New York, the residents started a committee to make the area more walkable instead. The community created an alternative design, and all of Hamburg’s Main Street was redesigned to slow vehicles. Two lanes were built. The lanes’ narrow width of 10 feet allowed for more trees, on-street parking, and sidewalks. Many businesses returned to Main Street, and property values more than doubled.

International

Montreal is falling short of its public transportation goals as it reaches the halfway point of its 10-year plan. The city is currently only receiving about one-third of the money it needs to meet its objectives. Though ridership has increased by 26 percent since 2008 other projects such as extending metro lines, have not been realized.

The London’s transport chief may close all 268 Tube ticket offices to make for a more cost-efficient Underground. All passengers would need to use automatic machines to buy tickets.

If you come across any interesting pedestrian news or stories, please send a link to info@feetfirst.org.